Ex-couple Gerald Anderson and Kim Chiu have finally reunited, but only on television. Their first teleserye together in seven years, “Ikaw Lang Ang Iibigin,” aired its pilot episode on Monday, May 1.
In an interview with InterAksyon, Gerald shared that while there initially may have been the slightest hesitation, he and Kim eventually realized they wanted to accept the project.
“Naramdaman siguro ng lahat na time na, parang oras na para gawin ito. Marami ding nag-aantay. We also owe it to the fans. Kaya sabi namin, let’s do it,” said Gerald.
Kim and Gerald had been taping since October last year and based on the teasers that were shown in the weeks leading to the first airing, they seemed to be doing well on the set. Despite many years of leading separate lives and pursuing individual careers, the Kimerald tandem has not lost its chemistry, at least on-screen.
The loveteam’s roots can be traced back to 2006, when they became housemates and eventual victors on “Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition.” Shortly after leaving Big Brother’s house, Kim and Gerald were cast in several teen-oriented shows and movies.
Their first ever teleserye as a loveteam was “Sana Maulit Muli,” where they played childhood sweethearts. Two equally successful and more mature drama series, “Tayong Dalawa” and “Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo,” followed in 2009 and 2010, respectively. Kim and Gerald broke up in acrimonious terms in 2010, and the split was hard on their fans.
“Ikaw Lang Ang Iibigin” is Kim and Gerald’s first major team-up since then. They were also seen together at a press event for an advocacy campaign earlier this year.
Gerald admits that working together again after roughly seven years has entailed quite an adjustment for both parties, but he says Kim’s professionalism makes it easier for them.
“Of course. Siyempre meron. Ang tagal din ng pinagsamahan namin at ang tagal din ng gap na hindi kami nagsasama. So andun yung comfort pero andun yung naninibago ka ulit,” he said.
“But you know, Kim’s very professional and mahal niya yung trabaho niya. Madali siyang katrabaho,” Gerald added.
However, he also admitted that they still haven’t fully adjusted to working with each other, which in turn adds authenticity to their characters.
“It just takes time. Siyempre hanggang ngayon it’s still a journey. Ang ganda kasi yung characters namin, parang ganun din yung pinagdaanan. Kung ano yung mapapanood n’yo sa screen, talagang totoong feelings yun,” he explained.
Kim, who celebrated her 10th year in showbiz last year, is currently dating Xian Lim, who had been her screen partner since they teamed up in “My Binondo Girl” in 2011.
Gerald, on the other hand, has reunited with Bea Alonzo, whom he dated in 2010 shortly after his split with Kim.
The fallout from embitttered Kimerald fans was reportedly one of the reasons why he and Bea had to break up back then.
However, Gerald says that current flame Bea doesn’t mind that he’s working with Kim once again. He goes as far as saying that she is actually happy for him and very supportive of his new projects.
He explains, “Ganoon naman eh. When your partner is working so hard for something, talagang magiging supportive ka. Siyempre I care for her a lot, I’m very supportive also with her.”
Gerald also shared the reason why he thinks his relationship with Bea is so special, it’s worth giving a second chance.
“Siguro kasi, kami pareho, we’re both very busy, ang dami namin parehong ginagawa. Mahal namin pareho yung trabaho namin. Alam namin pareho yung priorities namin but we still find time to see each other. Mahalaga yung oras na magkasama kami,” he said.
Bea currently stars in the primetime soap “A Love To Last” with Ian Veneracion. The show is well-received and Gerald is no stranger to the fact that viewers are eagerly receptive of the Bea-Ian pairing. He is no stranger to the success of the show.
“[Ang] galing! That’s the whole point of what we do, eh, to make people happy,” Gerald said in conclusion.
Gerald, who has been an endorser of Century Tuna for some time, is featured as one of the hot cooks, along with Paulo Avelino and Matteo Guidicelli in the brand’s “My Recipe to Sexy” TVC campaign.
